Virgin Cold Pressed Sesame Oil — Ayurveda's King of Oils for Hair, Skin & Abhyanga | Matru Ayurveda

What Matru virgin cold pressed sesame oil does for you

• Promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall — Sesame oil's deep-penetrating quality nourishes hair follicles directly. Regular scalp massage improves blood circulation to the follicle bed and creates the conditions for sustained healthy hair growth, while strengthening follicles to reduce shedding.
• Helps prevent premature greying — The antioxidants sesamol and sesamin protect melanocyte cells (responsible for hair pigment) from oxidative damage. This is one of sesame oil's most distinctive benefits — not shared by coconut or castor oil. Traditional Ayurvedic use for preventing early greying is backed by its antioxidant chemistry.
• Conditions dry scalp and controls dandruff — Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties address the root causes of scalp dryness, itching, and flaking. Sesame oil's deep penetration means scalp conditioning lasts well beyond the day of application.
• Natural UV protection for hair and scalp — Sesame oil naturally filters UV rays, providing a degree of sun protection for hair and scalp. Particularly valuable in the Indian climate, where UV exposure contributes significantly to dry, brittle, and damaged hair.
• Deep skin nourishment and anti-ageing — Rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, sesame oil is absorbed rapidly by the skin, moisturising from within, improving elasticity, and visibly reducing dryness, fine lines, and uneven texture with regular use.
• Traditional Abhyanga body massage oil — In Ayurveda, Abhyanga (warm oil self-massage) is considered one of the most important daily self-care practices. Sesame oil is the prescribed base oil for Abhyanga — its warmth, depth of penetration, and Vata-balancing properties promote circulation, ground the nervous system, and nourish all body tissues.
• Soothes joint stiffness and muscle soreness — Massaged into joints and muscles, sesame oil's warming energy and anti-inflammatory fatty acids provide relief from stiffness and soreness. A well-documented use in Ayurvedic practice, particularly for Vata-type joint discomfort.
• Safe and nourishing for baby massage — Sesame oil has been used for newborn and infant massage in India for generations. Its warmth, gentleness, and absence of chemicals make it ideal for baby skin, and it is traditionally used to strengthen bones and muscles during infancy.
• Excellent carrier oil for Ayurvedic blends — Its deep penetration makes it the ideal carrier for herbal infusions and oil blends. It is the base oil in Matru Ayurveda's 3-in-1 Coconut, Castor & Sesame Oil Blend for this very reason.

How to use — hair, scalp, skin, Abhyanga, baby massage and joints

• For hair growth and scalp nourishment: Warm 2–3 teaspoons between your palms. Apply to the scalp in sections and massage gently with circular motions for 5–10 minutes. Work remaining oil through hair lengths. Leave for at least 1 hour, or overnight with a shower cap. Wash out with a mild shampoo. Use 2–3 times per week for visible results over 6–8 weeks.
• For dandruff and dry scalp: Apply directly to the scalp the night before washing. Leave overnight. Shampoo thoroughly in the morning. Consistent weekly use over 4–6 weeks addresses both symptoms and underlying scalp inflammation.
• For Abhyanga (Ayurvedic full-body self-massage): Warm a generous amount in a small bowl. Begin at the scalp and work downward — neck, shoulders, arms, chest, abdomen, back, legs and feet. Use long strokes along the limbs and circular motions at joints. Leave on for 15–20 minutes, then bathe to remove. Best performed in the morning for its energising, grounding effects.
• For skin care (face and body): Apply a small amount to clean skin after bathing. Massage gently until absorbed. Use on the face for dry patches, fine lines, or sun-damaged areas. Apply to the body for dry elbows, knees, heels, and rough patches. Best used at night.
• For baby massage: Warm a small amount in your palms and massage the baby's limbs, back, and tummy with gentle, smooth strokes before bathing. Suitable from birth for external use.
• For joint and muscle relief: Warm the oil and massage firmly into affected joints, the lower back, or sore muscles. Apply before bed and leave overnight for best results.

Tip: Authentic unrefined sesame oil has a naturally mild, nutty aroma. This is a sign of quality — if your sesame oil has no smell at all, it has been refined and has lost much of its therapeutic value.

Product details

• Ingredients: 100% Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil — nothing else
• Also known as: Gingelly oil, til ka tel, nuvvula nune, nalennai, ellu enna, tila taila
• Extraction method: Virgin cold pressed — no heat, no solvents, no chemical processing
• Net volume: Single — 200ml | Twin pack — 400ml (2 × 200ml)
• Shelf life: 24 months from date of manufacture
• Once opened: Best used within 9 months
• Suitable for: All hair types, all skin types, adults, children and babies (external use only)
• Free from: Parabens, mineral oil, hexane, synthetic fragrance, artificial colour, chemical preservatives
• Best used for: Hair growth, scalp nourishment, premature greying prevention, dry skin, Abhyanga body massage, baby massage, joint and muscle care

Frequently asked questions